How To Be Good At Everything

All-in-one stereo speaker systems used to be about - now they are about excellence compromise

Not that long ago, anyone who wanted quality hi-fi sound in their home was obliged to research and invest in a number of separate products, and then – more often that not – add various cables and supports to make the whole thing work. Of course, all-in-one systems are nothing new, but until recently they tended to come with a large helping of sonic mediocrity attached. Of late, though, the quality of such systems has soared – along with the number and type available. When it comes to ’proper’ hi-fi, it’s time to take the all-in-one solution seriously.

Essentially, these systems carry everything you need to listen to your music in just a pair of speaker cabinets. They are all powered speakers, which means they carry their own amplification, along with all the other electrical circuitry needed to produce quality sound. Most provide their own source too, in the form of access to streaming services; all you have to do is plug them in and off you go. And ample connectivity means you can always add your own sources as well.

Here, we have brought together seven of our favourite speaker systems, ranging from the eminently affordable Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 (the only product that doesn’t provide streaming smarts) to the KEF LS60 Wireless, the only full-size floorstanders in our collection.

If you prioritise convenience as well as quality sound, we are confident you will find, on the following pages, a system that will suit your needs and budget.

ELAC DEBUT & CONNEX DCB41 ₹43,900

SPEAKER SYSTEM

A neat, affordable and talented entry into the speaker systems market